Acer releases dual Android-Windows 7 netbook

Fans of Android and Windows 7 have a reason to smile with the release of the Acer Aspire One Happy netbook that runs the two operating systems side-by-side without the need to reboot.

The $499 Happy features an Intel Atom N550 dual core CPU, Intel 3150 graphics, an internal hard disk (up to 250GB) and a built-in card reader.

With a keyboard 93 per cent of full-size (Acer says the keys are “large”), the Happy is 24mm thick and weighs 1.25kg. Its screen is a 10.1-inch (28cm) WSVGA display with a 16 by 9 aspect ratio.

The Acer Crystal Eye webcam and microphone are also built-in.

Acer announced last month its new generation dual core netbooks would boot Android and Windows 7.

The company also released a range of Android-based smartphones earlier this year.

Many netbooks run a variant of Linux or Windows, but Acer has bundled the Linux-based Android and Windows 7 on the Happy without needing to reboot to switch between them.

According to Acer, the Happy allows people to “jumpstart your social life” and launch Android if they want a “quick chat with your friends” and when they “need top productivity” they can “switch to Windows 7”.

To switch from Windows 7 to Android, the user simply has to double click on an icon on the desktop and it will switch from Windows 7 to Android automatically, a spokesperson for Acer said.

“Switching back to Windows 7 requires a reboot and operating system selection in the boot menu – Windows 7 or Android.”

Other bundled software includes apps for the Web, photo sharing, music and videos.

The Aspire One Happy is available in four colours: Candy Pink, Lavender Purple, Lime Green and Hawaii Blue.

The Acer Aspire One Happy is available now from Officeworks, the official retailer for the Australian launch.

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